collapse expand iconDescription

The PURE DRIVE OCTO is a professional 8-channel microphone preamplifier that provides discerning engineers and producers with an array of tools for crafting tone. Packing SSL's renowned SuperAnalogue circuit design, it introduces a new DRIVE mode and connectivity within a 2U rackmount unit.

Shape Your Sound With Three Distinct DRIVE Modes

The PURE DRIVE OCTO offers three distinct DRIVE modes in each of its eight mic preamps: Clean, Classic Drive and Asymmetric Drive. Shape your power with independently switchable DRIVE modes in each mic preamp. Clean mode provides an ultra-low noise floor and linear frequency response for capturing sources faithfully. Classic Drive generates predominantly odd harmonics for a warm, rich tone. Asymmetric Drive makes even harmonics dominant, resulting in more pronounced thickness, coloration and transient softening.

Connectivity for Any Recording Scenario

With its comprehensive analog and digital I/O, the PURE DRIVE OCTO handles any recording need. It features eight rear-mounted XLR mic inputs, four front-panel Hi-Z/DI instrument inputs and D-sub line inputs and insert connections. Digital connectivity includes an onboard USB interface providing eight channels of audio up to 192 kHz into your DAW, as well as AES/EBU and ADAT outputs. The AES and ADAT outputs can even be fed from the USB interface, allowing you to use the PURE DRIVE OCTO as an audio interface. An auto-ranging word clock ensures robust synchronization.

Four Mic Preamp Input Impedance Options

The PURE DRIVE OCTO offers four input impedance options in each mic preamp, allowing you to match the impedance to your microphones or explore different tonalities. Higher impedance settings yield more brightness and detail, while lower ones provide greater low-end warmth and fullness. With four options, you have the flexibility to choose what complements your microphones and sonic needs.

Recallable Analog Design for Precision and Longevity

The PURE DRIVE OCTO utilizes digitally controlled analog circuits with no electro-mechanical components in the signal path. This solid-state design provides precise recall of settings and ensures longevity, with impeccable channel matching across all eight mic preamps. Settings are adjusted via detented pots and electronic switches, allowing for accuracy and consistency over years of use.

Solid State Logic PURE DRIVE OCTO 8-Channel Microphone Preamp
Solid State Logic PURE DRIVE OCTO 8-Channel Microphone Preamp
Solid State Logic PURE DRIVE OCTO 8-Channel Microphone Preamp

collapse expand iconSpecs

  • 8 channel high-performance PureDrive™ mic preamps
  • +48V phantom power, polarity invert and 3rd order hi-pass filter
  • Stepped Gain control up to +65 dB Gain
  • 31-step Trim control, with precise 1 dB increments
  • 3 modes for each preamp – Clean, Classic Drive and Asymmetric Drive
  • Mic/Line Input Switching
  • Mic via XLR
  • Line via choice of TRS Jack or dedicated D-Sub connectivity
  • 4 x front panel Hi-Z/DI Instrument unbalanced inputs with automatic input detection
  • 4 mic preamp input impedance options – explore new tonal possibilities from dynamic and ribbon microphones
  • Balanced analogue outputs/insert sends for external processing
  • +24 dBu professional line level insert returns/ADC inputs
  • Analogue to digital connectivity via ADAT, AES and USB
  • Ability to switch ADAT and AES connections to source audio from DAW outputs (USB) instead of the A/D converter
  • USB soundcard mode
  • OCTO – 8 in / 24 out (@44.1/48 kHz)
  • 8 x analogue / 8 AES + 16 ADAT outs
  • Stepped pots and digitally controlled analogue electronics for precision, stereo matching and ease of recall
  • Up to 192 kHz and 32-bit conversion, professional I/O levels (+24 dBu = 0 dBFS)
  • Selectable Auto-Sleep mode
  • Auto-ranging Wordclock In and Out

Featured Articles